Havnfun Hot Air Ballooning
Havnfun Hot Air Ballooning
Havnfun Hot Air Ballooning
5
This location was reported permanently closed
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About
•Upscale hot air balloon rides throughout Palm Springs area.•Experience the beauty of Southern California with panoramic views of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains, date palm groves and pristine golf courses.•Smaller balloons for a more personal experience.•Complimentary transportation aboard our luxurious van.•Experience our EXCLUSIVE 360 degree tour.•Sunrise passengers enjoy mimosas & locally homemade pastries.•Sunset passengers enjoy champagne, fresh fruits & cheese.•Commemorative flight certificate, souvenir, and photo included.
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Havnfun Hot Air Ballooning
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
13 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mike G
Indianapolis, IN86 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
My wife planned our flight with Tom and Kelli as a retirement present, and it could not have been a better experience. They confirmed our flight, which was at sunrise. They met us promptly at our early-morning meeting point. They were also attentive to our comfort, suggesting we set in their van while we watched them prepare and inflate their beautiful balloon.
Kelli and Tom both went to great lengths to explain the entire process, and Kelli took tons of great photos of us as the balloon was inflated, as well of several of the balloon in flight as she "chased" us across the desert. She even took photos of us inside the balloon!
Even with six of us (besides Tom, the pilot) it was a comfortable ride and Tom pointed out landmarks as we sailed across the valley landscape.
We landed in a field, slightly missing the designated target at the airport, but the crew got the balloon down and folded up in short order, and we were allowed to help in the process if we so desired.
Afterward we had a little celebration, complete with a nice toast, while Tom gave us some background and history on hot air ballooning.
I can't imagine a better experience. Tom, Kelli and their son are true professionals and obviously this is a family business that they take very seriously. I highly recommend you fly with them if you are in the Palm Springs area!
Kelli and Tom both went to great lengths to explain the entire process, and Kelli took tons of great photos of us as the balloon was inflated, as well of several of the balloon in flight as she "chased" us across the desert. She even took photos of us inside the balloon!
Even with six of us (besides Tom, the pilot) it was a comfortable ride and Tom pointed out landmarks as we sailed across the valley landscape.
We landed in a field, slightly missing the designated target at the airport, but the crew got the balloon down and folded up in short order, and we were allowed to help in the process if we so desired.
Afterward we had a little celebration, complete with a nice toast, while Tom gave us some background and history on hot air ballooning.
I can't imagine a better experience. Tom, Kelli and their son are true professionals and obviously this is a family business that they take very seriously. I highly recommend you fly with them if you are in the Palm Springs area!
Written January 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debtequila
Scottsdale, AZ43 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
We wanted to make our daughter in law's 30th birthday memorable. So, my husband I thought - what about a hot air balloon ride?
We can't thank the HAVN FUN Hot Air Balloon owners Tom & Kelli Keller enough for making Michelle's flight amazing, fun and memorable. Tom & Kelli have such a attention to detail. I love how they involve everyone with the experience. The lift off was amazing to watch from the ground - and the landing at the Thermal airport was spectacular. What a huge surprise when after their flight, everyone was treated to delicious fresh fruit and croissants. Tears flowed when owner Kelli brought out a mini birthday cake for Michelle. WOW.
We recommend HAVN FUN Hot Air Ballooning as an event you will always remember ♥
We can't thank the HAVN FUN Hot Air Balloon owners Tom & Kelli Keller enough for making Michelle's flight amazing, fun and memorable. Tom & Kelli have such a attention to detail. I love how they involve everyone with the experience. The lift off was amazing to watch from the ground - and the landing at the Thermal airport was spectacular. What a huge surprise when after their flight, everyone was treated to delicious fresh fruit and croissants. Tears flowed when owner Kelli brought out a mini birthday cake for Michelle. WOW.
We recommend HAVN FUN Hot Air Ballooning as an event you will always remember ♥
Written March 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janice G
Red Deer, Canada29 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
First of All a HUGE Canadian Hug from Kathy and Janice!!!! WOW!!!! What an amazing experience from our 1st phone call to Kelli to the very end (which we wished hadn't ever ended) was 1st class all the way!!! Kelli, Tom and Kurt showed us true American hospitality. I had mentioned on my 1st phone call to Kelli that this would be our 1st balloon experience and that it would be another check mark on my bucket list! We were given great directions to the hotel in La Quinta where we met Kelli. We were then driven to the launch site with a very informative chat with Kelli. The balloon wasn't fully inflated which was awesome to watch the process. We met Tom and Kurt and felt totally comfy in their hands. All safety concerns were addressed and double checked. Before you knew it we were UP UP AND AWAY with Kelli photographing it all. Tom explained and answered all questions and pointed out landmarks. etc. that we weren't even aware of. Such a peaceful place to be while the sun was rising!!! You can definately feel the passion this family has for their operation!!! After we landed it was really great that we got to help fold up the balloon. There really is much more to it than we thought!! We were then taken for our picnic and Tom explained the significance of a champagne toast after a flight!! We were treated to champagne mimosas, pastries and fresh fruit! YUMMMMMMMMM! We were then given our souvenirs that came with the flight (I won't tell you and ruin your surprise) Kelli even wore a special t-shirt just for us!!!! We were made to feel incredibly comfortable and safe at all times!!!! Can't even explain in words how AWESOME this trip was and hope to make it an annual!!!! Thanks AGAIN Kelli, Tom and Kurt!!! Feel free to contact me if anyone has any questions!!!! CHEERS!!!!
Written March 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
je1018
La Quinta, CA2 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
There are no words to describe what a totally AWESOME adventure this was! We had such a great time with Kelli, Tom and Kurt. Kelli is an extremely skilled pilot. She and her crew are very knowledgeable and very professional - but still SO MUCH FUN. She explained everything and we felt totally comfortable and at ease. PLUS she somehow managed to help my husband plan this whole thing as a surprise for my 50th birthday - and boy was it a surprise! We had a beautiful morning for a flight - winds were perfect. The sunrise on the Santa Rosa Mountains was magical. Our flight was actually scheduled for a few days earlier, but the winds weren't right and Kelli called the night before to say that we couldn't fly. Kelli picked us up in a very comfortable van. She had water for us...she answered all our questions and told us what to expect - how to get in and out of the balloon, how to prepare for landing. The crew even let us help with the set up and then packing up at the end. We got to stand inside the balloon while it was being inflated. We loved hearing their story - their love for ballooning and how they got the business started and why it's so much fun for them. Lift off was amazing - it seemed like we weren't even moving, but that the ground was just falling further away. During the flight Kelli told us what were seeing - the crops, the landscape, history of the area. We were in the air almost an hour - most of it at 2300 feet - but it felt like 12 seconds - it went by so fast! Kelli nailed the landing right on the airport - not even a bump - I think she was more excited by that than we were - Kurt told her later that she hit the "X"!! We packed up and then we all went back to the pick up spot where we had a ceremonial toast and picnic. We were given flight certificates and a lovely souvenier......and we bought shirts. By the time we said goodbye it felt like we had made 3 new friends. We just got the link to the photos they took of our flight. It was very cool to see the balloon getting smaller and further away...and knowing that we were in the basket! I have already started recommending HAVNFUN to all my friends....and I can't wait to back to fly with them again!!
Written November 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
c j e
Toledo, OH23 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
I don't even know where and how to explain what an AWESOME experience I had with "Havnfun Hot Air Ballooning". From the 1st phone conversation with Kelli to the flight itself was easy, informative, exciting, surprising, and extremely memorable. When I first called to get information and prices Kelli was very informative as to what to expect and how the weather would dictate when we flew and was patient with all my questions. After talking to her and finding out how the wind and everything came into play I felt a lot more confident about the safety of the balloon ride. She was quick to followup with an email confirmation. She even gave us a reminder call the day before. The day of the flight was amazing, we were picked up in a very nice van and taken to the balloon along the way she told up what to expect and how we would get in and out of balloon and what to expect during flight and how we would be landing and answered all our questions. When we arrived at balloon we got to take pictures and she took pictures of us. Even inside the balloon itself while on ground that was "way cool". Then we got in and took off. It was just amazing! I never even felt us leave the ground. We got to see the mountains, desert, palm trees, crops, the Salton Sea in the distance, I can't even remember all that I saw it was just so cool floating along with the wind. At times we were just above the trees and other times we were up high. During the flight Tom, our pilot, was telling us what we were seeing and where we were headed. When we got ready to land he explained exactly what to expect and what to do. There is a few bumps but was really a very smooth landing compared to what I was afraid would happen. Everything Kelli had told us was exactly what happened. Total time in the air was about 50 mins. Seemed like it flew by (no pun intended LOL). After the flight we went back to our car and there they set up a very nice picnic of fresh fruit, pastries, and a nice champagne toast. We received a certificate commemorating the flight and a surprise gift that I will not ruin for you. They even offered souvenir shirts that we bought. And if this was not enough a few days after the flight I received an email with a free link to get all the pictures that were taken. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Havnfun to everyone and I will be back!
Written October 21, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JULIAN155019
Toronto, Canada25 contributions
Dec 2012 • Family
December 20, 2012 - a ( personal ) date that will live in......unforgetable memories ! ( With apologies for paraphrasing President Franklin Delano Roosevelt )
On behalf of my son Christian and myself I would like to express our appreciation to Kelli and Tom Keller along with son Kurt for making that day, a day that will stay in our memories for the rest of our lives ! Our first Hot Air Balloon ride !
Little things mean a lot. We noticed that some other tour companies demanded a credit card to make a reservation. Now, I am one of the few remaining inhabitants on this planet that does not have a credit card as I pay everything with cash. For Kelli, this was no problem. Even though I was a complete stranger, Kelli said she trusted me and that display of faith in me was deeply appreciated by me.
We noticed that HAVENFUN was one of the few tour companies that actually came to pick us up at our hotel lobby while a number of other tours, you have to make your own way there at your own expense.
As Kelli drove us to the balloon launch site she gave us an interesting and informative tour of our surroundings and did the same thing on the way back..
My son and I saw the balloon being inflated and actually got to peak inside the balloon itself while this was being done.
Another thing we enjoyed ( as Canadians ) was observing that Kelli, Tom and Kurt really enjoyed what they were doing. Too often where I come from, people work mechanically - going through the motions and do an adequate job. Not so with Kelli, Tom and Kurt. These people try very hard to see that we had a really good time ! They truly love their job and as foreigners, we could really feel their American Hospitality. Kelli, Tom and Kurt really know the hot air ballooning business.
My son is autistic and I was concerned that Kelli and Tom might not want to take Christian on the hot air balloon ride, but this challenge did not phase Kelli and Tom one bit. There was no problem and my son throughly enjoyed the ride as we floated above the Coachella Valley area, which included slowly gliding over a local airport and watching from on high a few two seater planes take off and land.
And when Tom pointed out the San Andreas fault line in the distance, that for me was really exciting as we have heard so much about this major earthquake fault line.
It was a perfect spring like day to go on a Hot air balloon ride and I should note that Kelli and Tom always make absolutely sure that there are no dangerous high winds that could cause any trouble for Hot Air Balloonists.
After landing, Christian and I really enjoyed helping Kelli, Tom and Kurt wrap up and put away the hot air balloon ! I was amazed at how quickly overall this was done and how compact you can get a hot air balloon into one large bag.
Later at night, back at Palm Springs, we had a little picnic in which I drank a bottle of champagne and we all enjoyed cheese and fresh fruits. We also were presented with two HAVENFUN champagne glasses which I managed to get back to Canada in one piece and it is from those glasses that we shall drink from to celebrate the arrival of New Years 2013 ! We also got two commemorative flight certificates.
While we were having our picnic, Tom gave a brief informative history of hot air ballooning !
We had a portable computer back at our hotel and Kelli emailed us photos that she took of our balloon filght from beginning to end and they were excellent pictures.
After I requested, Kelli and Tom will send us a DVD of all the photos she took on for us this most memorable day.
So, if you are visiting Palm Springs, California, I would highly recommend HAVENFUN Hot Air Ballooning with Kelli and Tom. They will give you a wonderful day that you will never forget.
Julian Mazur
On behalf of my son Christian and myself I would like to express our appreciation to Kelli and Tom Keller along with son Kurt for making that day, a day that will stay in our memories for the rest of our lives ! Our first Hot Air Balloon ride !
Little things mean a lot. We noticed that some other tour companies demanded a credit card to make a reservation. Now, I am one of the few remaining inhabitants on this planet that does not have a credit card as I pay everything with cash. For Kelli, this was no problem. Even though I was a complete stranger, Kelli said she trusted me and that display of faith in me was deeply appreciated by me.
We noticed that HAVENFUN was one of the few tour companies that actually came to pick us up at our hotel lobby while a number of other tours, you have to make your own way there at your own expense.
As Kelli drove us to the balloon launch site she gave us an interesting and informative tour of our surroundings and did the same thing on the way back..
My son and I saw the balloon being inflated and actually got to peak inside the balloon itself while this was being done.
Another thing we enjoyed ( as Canadians ) was observing that Kelli, Tom and Kurt really enjoyed what they were doing. Too often where I come from, people work mechanically - going through the motions and do an adequate job. Not so with Kelli, Tom and Kurt. These people try very hard to see that we had a really good time ! They truly love their job and as foreigners, we could really feel their American Hospitality. Kelli, Tom and Kurt really know the hot air ballooning business.
My son is autistic and I was concerned that Kelli and Tom might not want to take Christian on the hot air balloon ride, but this challenge did not phase Kelli and Tom one bit. There was no problem and my son throughly enjoyed the ride as we floated above the Coachella Valley area, which included slowly gliding over a local airport and watching from on high a few two seater planes take off and land.
And when Tom pointed out the San Andreas fault line in the distance, that for me was really exciting as we have heard so much about this major earthquake fault line.
It was a perfect spring like day to go on a Hot air balloon ride and I should note that Kelli and Tom always make absolutely sure that there are no dangerous high winds that could cause any trouble for Hot Air Balloonists.
After landing, Christian and I really enjoyed helping Kelli, Tom and Kurt wrap up and put away the hot air balloon ! I was amazed at how quickly overall this was done and how compact you can get a hot air balloon into one large bag.
Later at night, back at Palm Springs, we had a little picnic in which I drank a bottle of champagne and we all enjoyed cheese and fresh fruits. We also were presented with two HAVENFUN champagne glasses which I managed to get back to Canada in one piece and it is from those glasses that we shall drink from to celebrate the arrival of New Years 2013 ! We also got two commemorative flight certificates.
While we were having our picnic, Tom gave a brief informative history of hot air ballooning !
We had a portable computer back at our hotel and Kelli emailed us photos that she took of our balloon filght from beginning to end and they were excellent pictures.
After I requested, Kelli and Tom will send us a DVD of all the photos she took on for us this most memorable day.
So, if you are visiting Palm Springs, California, I would highly recommend HAVENFUN Hot Air Ballooning with Kelli and Tom. They will give you a wonderful day that you will never forget.
Julian Mazur
Written December 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen V
Norway, ME5 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Our family gave us this trip as a Christmas gift.. Kelli and Tom went out of their way to make sure to pick a day that the weather was perfect. The trip was everything I had hoped for, truly a bucket list check. Kelli is so wonderful explaining what will happen, what to do and how to get the greatest enjoyment from the experience. Tom gave us a beautiful tour of the valley pointing out all the points to look for and explaining the background. Getting to help set up the balloon and put it away gave us an extra understanding of what it takes to fly a balloon. Kelli and Tom have such a love for ballooning and the valley that they pass along to their riders.
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
Written January 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tomas R
Rancho Mirage, California, United States4 contributions
Nov 2013 • Solo
When I registered for a flight with HAVNFUN I knew I was in for a treat. I had no idea however just how magical of an adventure Kelli and Tom would provide. The morning began with an amazing tutorial on how hot air balloons actually work while on the ride to the launch site. At the launch site, passengers were encouraged to help set up and prepare the hot air balloon under the expert guidance of Kelli and Tom. Once in the air, Tom shared his knowledge of the Coachella Valley pointing out important landmarks, highlighting the geological wonders of the Coachella Valley, explaining his flying decisions and answering every single question we could come up with. Back on the ground, after packing up the balloon, we were greeted by a wonderful champagne breakfast where we got to reminisce about our flight and enjoy the company of new friends. Shortly after the flight, I was delighted to find an email from the HAVNFUN team containing several photos Kelli had snapped throughout the day documenting the day’s adventure!
Kelli and Tom clearly love their work and the joy they experience from flying is infectious. I cannot recommend HAVNFUN highly enough.
Kelli and Tom clearly love their work and the joy they experience from flying is infectious. I cannot recommend HAVNFUN highly enough.
Written November 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tammy N
Peace River, Canada1 contribution
Oct 2013 • Couples
Words really cannot describe the fantastic experience my husband and had on our recent balloon ride with Kelly, Tom, and Kurt! Right from the day I called to book to our hugs at the end of the trip, we had an amazing time! Truly genuine people who truly care about providing a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience! It was so fun to be involved in every part of the experience from inflating to packing up the balloon. Tom told us wonderful stories of the history of the area from the air as we enjoyed the view! Then after the ride was over we were treated to a beautiful picnic of croissants, fruit, and mimosas! The Ballooner's Prayer almost brought tears to my eyes! We truly feel like we had a unique experience and that no detail was overlooked! Thank you so much for all the amazing memories! We will always cherish them!! Dan and Tammy!
Written November 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristy B
Springfield, MO175 contributions
Sep 2015 • Friends
We went up with this company yesterday at a festival in Missouri. Couldn't have asked for a better pilot than Kelly. She answered our millions questions and just had a fun-loving attitude. What a great person to take us up on our first ride. Thanks for everything!
Written September 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
calliecocat
Boston, Massachusetts
What is the maximum group size you can take up? Do you offer flights in April? What is the cost per person?
Written February 8, 2016
Hi,
I have heard that not all companies fly in September and that some only fly in early morning. Do you fly in September and in afternoon? also can you accommodate a senior citizen with trouble standing eg are there seats? thanks
Written July 21, 2015
HAVNFUNballooning
La Quinta, California
Hello ~
We will not begin flying until late October or early November depending on the weather. We only do sunrise flights. If other companies fly in September it would depend on the temperatures. Typically it is still too warm to fly in September. We do not have a seat in our balloons. They fly in Temecula in September and they may have balloons with seats.
I'm sorry we are unable to accommodate you. If I can be of further help, please ask.
Kelli
Written August 1, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.